Terry Deary - Wales

The Welsh are the descendants of the ancient Britons. These Celtic tribes ruled most of Britain till the Romans barged in.

Wales hasnt always been horrible. It was quite pleasant in 1306 and again in 1972. But here are some of the horrible highlights

230,000 BC Neanderthal creatures wander the hills of Wales. They look like humans but act like apes. (Now we call them football supporters.)

AD Roman Emperor Claudius orders an invasion of Britain. The Romans drive the Britons out of England. The only place the Brits can go is west to Wales. Among them is Caratacus who was from the Catuvellauni tribe, north-west of London. He is defeated in England.

Caratacus stirs up the Silures tribe down in South Wales. He becomes one of the first-ever Welsh heroes. He attacks Roman supplies, and robs and murders tribes (like the Dubonni) who dare to make friends with the Romans.

The Romans rule Wales.

Christianity has started to take over as top religion in Wales. The ancient Welsh priests, the Druids, are on the way out along with their human sacrifices.

The Romans leave. Saxon invaders attack. The Welsh in the south are battered. The ones in the mountains are bothered.

Brit hero King Arthur is defeated at Mount Badon. Did Arthur really rule or is he just a story? And was he Welsh? Who knows. This is also the time of saints. Welsh saints set up sites in Wales to teach Christianity.

Bishop David dies. He will live on as Saint David the patron saint of Wales.

The Welsh Christians argue with the Pope. St Augustine is sent from Rome to sort them out. St Gus says:

Sure enough, Saxon king Ethelfrith massacres thousands of Welsh at Chester. He kills 1,200 Welsh monks too just for fun.

Offa of Mercia is a powerful Saxon king. He builds Offas Dyke, marking Waless eastern border. The Dyke is just a long mound of earth. But Welsh who cross it risk their lives.

First report of a Viking attack on Wales. They kill King Cyngen. The Welsh need a hero to unite them. And they find one in the great Rhodri Mawr.